Friday, May 20, 2016

Oklahoma Republicans have sure been busy this week. Along with legislation declaring a state of emergency over gender neutral bathrooms, filing a measure to begin impeachment proceedings against President Obama they have also passed a bill the state that would make it a felony to perform abortions in the state. I guess there is always time when it comes to taking away a women's right to choose.

Sen. Nathan Dahm

Senate Bill 1552, proposed by Sen. Nathan Dahm (R), not only makes it a felony for doctors to perform abortions but would in addition revoke their medical licenses as well.Dahm says his real hope is that the bill will lead to the overturn of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, in which the Supreme Court ruled that American women have the right to get abortions.The bill passed the Senate with a 33-12 vote, with no debate, Tulsa World reports.The Associated Press reports that the law will be the first of its kind in the nation and would punish physicians with up to three years in prison for performing the procedures.Earlier in the day the House passed a bill that would require the state Department of Health to develop informational material “for the purpose of achieving an abortion-free society,” but lawmakers didn’t approve any funding for it.One reason could be that Oklahoma is facing a $1.3 billion budget shortfall, with state agencies like schools, mental health and human services taking a $235 million hit in spending cuts.Oklahoma Republicans sure seem to have their priorities a little twisted to say the least. Perhaps start thinking about the children that have actually been born?